Chapter 182: Gaining One and Looking to the Next

Chapter 182: Gaining One and Looking to the Next

Daohua noticed that this year, the family had received much more Dragon Boat Festival gifts than last year. Some families that had never interacted with them even sent gifts.

Recently, Madam Li had been busy preparing return gifts every day, and since Daohua was by her side, she was also caught up in the bustle.          

The day before Dragon Boat Festival, Daohua was in the main courtyard helping sort the gift lists from different families when she saw Madam Li hurriedly enter.

"Mother, why are you in such a rush in this hot sun?" Daohua put down the gift list, quickly poured a cup of cooled tea, and handed it to Madam Li.

Madam Li was indeed thirsty. She drank the tea in one go and handed the cup back to her daughter. She then said to Pingtong and Pingxiao in the room, "Quickly, find the new clothes we made for your father."

Daohua was curious. "Mother, is Father going to meet guests?"

Madam Li shook her head while continuing to rummage through other items that Yan Zhigao usually used. "No, he's going out."

Daohua followed behind Madam Li, walking step by step. "Going out? Where to?"

Madam Li replied, "To the provincial capital. The Prefect Magistrate invited your father to the Dragon Boat Festival."

Daohua's eyes widened. "The Prefect Magistrate? Xiao Yeyang’s uncle! Why did he invite Father?"

Madam Li paused, then turned to Daohua with a smile. "Your father has harvested the winter wheat from the official land, and the yield is quite high."

Upon hearing this, Daohua’s face lit up. "Really? Does this mean it's going to be promoted soon?"

Madam Li shook her head. "I don't know. Your father has already submitted a report, but how it will be handled depends on the higher-ups."

Daohua didn't ask further, and resumed sorting the gift lists.

After sorting a few more, Daohua looked up again. "Mother, our watermelon crops have done well. You should mention it to Father. If we could promote it in Xingzhou, it could help increase the people's income."

Madam Li's eyes lit up. "Yes, how did I not think of this?"

Daohua continued, "Also, the grapes. Father is the Prefect Magistrate of Xingzhou, and while he's in office, if he can make one or two special products, the people would surely be grateful."

Madam Li, having traveled around with her two brothers since childhood, was quite knowledgeable. After hearing Daohua’s suggestions, she immediately stopped preparing and rushed toward the front courtyard.

Daohua shook her head and sighed dramatically. "My mother, even at her age, is still so impulsive."

"Poof~"

Pingxiao and Pingtong in the room both laughed at her comment.

Wang Man'er, standing nearby, also chuckled. "Now I know where the young lady gets that fiery temperament from!"

Daohua smiled and didn’t mind. "Of course, I'm her daughter. It's only natural that I'm like her."

---

In the front courtyard.

Madam Li relayed Daohua’s suggestions word for word to Yan Zhigao.

After hearing this, both Yan Zhigao and Advisor Xiao, who was present, looked at each other with bright eyes.

"Did Daohua really say all of this?" Yan Zhigao asked in surprise. He was truly impressed by his eldest daughter’s insight.

Advisor Xiao smiled and said to Yan Zhigao, "Congratulations, sir, for having such a wise daughter."

Madam Li paused for a moment and immediately added, "She was just speaking casually. She's just a little girl who only thinks her watermelons and grapes taste good, so she wants to sell more."

Advisor Xiao smiled but didn't offer further praise.

He understood Madam Li’s intention—not wanting her daughter to gain too much attention.

Fame, sometimes, could be beneficial, but at other times, it could be a burden.

Yan Zhigao understood his wife’s meaning and immediately laughed. "That girl loves to cause a stir. Alright, I’ve heard enough, I’ll take care of it."

After Madam Li left, Yan Zhigao discussed the feasibility of the plans with Xiao Yeyang.

Advisor Xiao pondered for a moment. "Sir, both watermelons and grapes are delicate crops. Planting them might be difficult. This can’t be rushed."

Yan Zhigao nodded. "You're right. The priority is the grain seed. As for the other matters, we can delay them."

Advisor Xiao laughed. "Since the watermelons are growing so well, I’m sure Xingzhou’s land is suitable for planting them. We can send people to inspect the land first."

Yan Zhigao smiled but didn’t say anything.

He knew that his brother-in-law had already bought some land in the counties under his jurisdiction, all planted with watermelons. Whether the land was suitable for planting would be clear by July or August when the harvest came in.

If it really could create one or two special products for Xingzhou, promotions and further ranks were secondary. What mattered was that the people could truly benefit, and that would make his time in office worthwhile.

As Yan Zhigao reflected on his thoughts, he couldn't help but agree with his mother's words. His eldest daughter was indeed a blessing for their family.

At that moment, Advisor Lin walked in, smiling.

When he heard that Yan Zhigao had been invited by the Prefect Magistrate to the Dragon Boat Festival, he immediately set aside what he was doing and rushed over.

"Brother-in-law!" Advisor Lin had originally intended to address Yan Zhigao as "brother-in-law," but noticing that Advisor Xiao was also present, he quickly corrected himself. "Sir, I heard you're going to the provincial capital?"

Yan Zhigao furrowed his brow when Advisor Lin entered. "Cai Liang, next time you come in, make sure to announce yourself first."

Advisor Lin froze for a moment. Seeing Yan Zhigao's displeased expression, his heart sank. He immediately bent his body and said, "Sir, I will remember for next time."

Yan Zhigao nodded. "What is it? Do you need something?"

Advisor Lin opened his mouth, glanced at Advisor Xiao, who showed no sign of leaving, and braced himself to say, "I heard you're going to the provincial capital, and I wanted to see if there's anything I can help with."

Yan Zhigao glanced at Advisor Lin, suddenly realizing that perhaps he had been too kind to him in the past, to the point where Advisor Lin felt comfortable approaching him directly whenever something came up.

"Well, I've already decided to take Advisor Xiao with me. After we leave, make sure to keep an eye on the office. If anything happens, let me know when I return."

Advisor Lin's mood darkened. Yan Zhigao's words were clear—he had been rejected. It seemed that he had hoped to go to the provincial capital and gain some experience, but now he was turned down outright.

"Alright, I need to go change in the back courtyard. Advisor Xiao, you should prepare too."

"Yes, sir."

After Yan Zhigao left, Advisor Xiao turned and exited as well. Before leaving, he noticed Advisor Lin still standing there, lost in thought. He patted Advisor Lin's shoulder and said, "A person must know their place. Don't get greedy and try to take more than you can handle."

Advisor Lin had secured his position in the office thanks to his sister being Yan Zhigao's concubine. Because of this connection, he had been enjoying a smooth life in the office, with few people causing him trouble.

In theory, with such an advantageous position, he should have been content, diligently assisting Yan Zhigao. However, greed made him want more. Instead of staying in his place, he tried to challenge the legitimate children of the family.

What an audacious person!

The three children of the legitimate wife were all exceptional in their own right. Yan Zhigao might still show some leniency due to past friendships, but the Fourth Master and the eldest daughter would not be so forgiving.

If Advisor Lin didn’t learn to restrain himself, he would eventually be dealt with.

(End of Chapter)